DVD and Blu-ray Releases for November 26th, 2013

November 25th, 2013

It's a pretty soft week when it comes to new releases. This is not surprising, as it is also Thanksgiving long weekend starting on Wednesday. These releases are only going to be out one day before they are overshadowed by sales. Fortunately, there are a couple of releases that stand out. The biggest of these, and the best, is Breaking Bad: The Final Season. The DVD or the Blu-ray could be a contender for Pick of the Week even during the busiest week. However, I think that honor should go to the show's Blu-ray Megaset. It is expensive, but it is worth it. An honorable mention goes to Mystery Science Theater 3000: 25th Anniversary Edition.

2013 World Series Champions - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray
Real fans want full games, not 90 minutes of highlights.

Beyonce: Life Is But a Dream - Buy from Amazon
One of two music DVDs on this week's list. This one is selling better than the other, but the fact that it is in the top ten shows how slow it is this week.

Breaking Bad: The Final Season - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray
Ending a critically acclaimed TV series is tough, because most fans will be extra judgmental with how the series ends. We've already seen a series end on a sour note. (Although to be fair to the writers for that show, apparently they were told they couldn't kill off Dexter, so their hands were tied.) Does this series avoid the pitfalls and go out on a high note? Won't know till the screener arrives. Also coming out this week is a Blu-ray Box Set. It costs $200, but it comes with a bonus disc and has some fun physical extras.

Definitive Guide to the JFK Assassination - Buy from Amazon
It's from the History Channel, so don't expect to learn much. Instead of delving into the real history, they just ask people what they think happened and give percentages for each crazy theory.

Diagnosis Murder: Season Six - Buy from Amazon: Part One and Part Two
A murder mystery show from the 1990s. There have been so many similar shows that it is hard for any of them to stand out. This one starred Dick Van Dyke, which certainly helped. It is not the best series in the genre, but it is worth checking out if you like other similar shows.

Getaway - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray
One of the worst-reviewed wide releases of the year. The extras are better than expected, given its performance at the box office. However, even if the DVD and the Blu-ray were loaded with extras, it still wouldn't be worth picking up.

High School of the Dead Ova: Drifters of the Dead - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray
This is a fun Anime series, but this release is only 16 minutes long. That's simply not acceptable. Hopefully this short will be included in the season two DVD / Blu-ray release.

Impractical Jokers: Season One - Buy from Amazon
A Reality TV series about friends playing practical jokes on each other. It is also the prize in this week's contest.

Jobs - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-rayAshton Kutcher stars as Steve Jobs, a casting choice that made a lot of people think, "Huh?" Turns out it didn't matter, because the script was so weak. The extras aren't bad, but it is still worth a rental, at most, and even then it's only worth it if you really like the star or the person he is portraying.

Murdoch Mysteries: Season Six - Buy from Amazon: DVD or Blu-ray
There are far too many police procedurals on TV. This one sets itself apart by being set during the last century. (The first season takes place in 1895, but the current season is in the 20th century.) I really like the show, but I'm Canadian and I have a well-known pro-Canada bias.

Mystery Science Theater 3000: 25th Anniversary Edition - Buy from Amazon
It has been a long time since I've received any screeners for this show. I was really hoping to snag a screener for the 25th Anniversary release, but that's probably not going to happen.

Please Kill Mr. Know It All - Buy from Amazon
An advice columnist, Lara Jean Chorostecki, goes national, so she needs a picture to go with her column, Mr. Know It All. She sketches a man she sees and hands that in. Here's the problem... He's a contract killer for the mob. It is an interesting premise, but it is sadly a typical romantic comedy.

Puscifer: What Is... - Buy from Amazon
I must admit I know nothing of this band. It is the 12th best selling new release, at least according to Amazon.com.

Red 2 - Buy from Amazon: DVD, Blu-ray Combo Pack
One of many, many sequels that came out this summer. Nearly all of them failed to live up to their predecessors. Is that the case here? Or was it one of the few surprises? Check out our review for my opinion.

TV on DVD Full Series Megasets - Buy from Amazon: Breaking Bad (Blu-ray) and Cutie Honey
Only two TV Megasets on this week's list. The first is one of the most critically acclaimed shows during its run, the other is an Anime series from 1973.